Hiring Process

Entry-Level Physical Fitness Standards

The entry-level physical assessment will be administered as follows: 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups. Each exercise has a minimum standard and is the same for each applicant regardless of age, race, or gender. Each physical assessment exercise attempts to measure whether or not the applicant is fit for duty for a position as a police officer. An applicant who fails four consecutive physical assessments may not be tested again until 1 year has elapsed from the date of the last assessment. Failure in any of the areas tested will constitute failure of the entire physical assessment. Bring a valid driver’s license (from any state), wear clothing needed for physical testing, and water. The testing is held at the Midland Police Department, 601 N. Loraine, Midland, Texas 79701.

30 Sit-Ups

25 Push-Ups

1.5 Mile Run (14:46)

Written Examination

The written examination is administered to all applicants who have passed the Physical Fitness Standards. The written test is a four-part law enforcement P.O.S.T. test. It consists of Math, Reading, Grammar, and Writing. It is a basic knowledge, civil service test. Calculators or dictionaries will not be allowed. All telecommunication devices and watch alarms must be turned off.

Background Investigation

Upon passing the physical and written tests, candidates will be given a Personal History packet to complete and return on a given date. The Police Department will conduct a thorough background investigation, and all information included in the packet will be confirmed. Omissions or falsifications are grounds for rejection. Background investigators will contact you when they have started on your background investigation. A background investigation typically takes 1 week to 2 months.

Final Steps

Candidates who passed their Background Investigation will undergo a panel interview, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and an interview with the Chief of Police. The last step of the process is completing paperwork as well as physical and medical exams as determined by the City of Midland Human Resources Department Manager. Applicants who successfully complete all of the test requirements are placed on an eligibility roster for hire. Once hired, future police officers that will be going to the academy will be referred to as Police Recruits. The hiring process from the applicant testing to date of hire typically takes 2-6 months.

Because traveling can be expensive and time-consuming, the Midland Police Department will work with out of state and out of town applicants to minimize the number of trips to the Midland area. After successfully completing the initial testing and background investigation, the recruiting division will attempt to group two or three parts of the hiring process together, provided applicants can stay in the area for 2-3 days.